Rugby Championship 2012: New Zealand team to play Australia

Steve Hansen has named his All Black side for their opening fixture against Australia in the inaugural Rugby Championship in Sydney.

Ma’a Nonu replaces the injured Conrad Smith to form a formidable centre partnership with the soon to be departing Sonny Bill Williams. Luke Romano gets his second test experience at lock and Kieran Read is back for the All Blacks at 8.

weepu for his experience at half…would have been crazy to go in to this comp with two near rookie halfbacks..i know Smiths had x3 test but he’s up against the no:1 half in the world..GENIA..kerr-barlow will be there soon give him time..piri knows theres a pretty good replacement waiting in the wings so he’s gonna be playing xtra special whenever he gets some game time but man..Smith nd Kerr-barlow starting together in a test makes for even more option for AB management..future in the halfs looks exciting..